Containment
A Collaboration with Emily Mahy, Wendy Nannestad and Jodie Wilson
June 14th - June 28th
“The power of a handbag dwells in solidity. Secrecy, and graceful self-containment” Anna Johnson
My very clever friend, Auckland based, bag designer, Emily Mahy, invited myself and two other designers (Jodie Wilson and Wendy Nannested), to collaborate on a project that celebrated the work of her late father, the extraordinary glass artist Keith Mahy.
Each of us drew inspiration from a piece of Keith’s glass to produce 3 bags in collaboration with Emily. These works were exhibiited at Emilys design store in Onehunga, and the opening night coincided with the 10 year Anniversary of Keiths passing.
Keith Mahy’s Glass Vase in my studio
Detail of textile print in progress
The bags Emily constructed were all made to be functional. However, it was important to push her craft skills beyond the usual and predictable constraints of commercial design. The result; three one-off sculptural pieces.
These unique bags, not only honoured her fathers glass art pieces, but they also honoured the hand-made, the slow movement and skill-based design.
Emily was not only celebrating her fathers work, but she was also celebrating the cherished relationship of kindred spirits, of Father and Daughter, and of the significance of his creative influence.
It was an honour to be invited to collaborate with Emily, and I reckon Keith would have been very very proud of her indeed.
Check out Emilys fabulous Design store:
TUES - FRI 9AM - 4PM, SAT 10AM - 4PM
274 Onehunga Mall Rd, Onehunga
